HOWE: OUR STAR AKE IS CHERRY ON THE TOP

EDDIE HOWE wishes he had a team of Nathan Akes and says the former Chelsea star is at Bournemouth for the long haul.

Ake (above) has been the Cherries’ best player since a £20million move from Stamford Bridge in 2017.

The Blues have a £40m buy-back option on the Holland defender, but his boss said: “Of course he is going to have admirers from other clubs, that goes with the territory at this level.

“If you do well, the media attention around you increases.

“Nathan has dealt with all that and never let it affect him. He is part of our long-term plan.

“It would be easier if I had more players of Nathan’s mentality and the way he conducts himself. He goes about his work with minimal fuss, but is determined to improve.

“He is an absolute winner. He is a really good guy to manage and sets the tone for the other players.

“He fits our style and how we want to play, being comfortable with the ball and having the bravery to build attacks. He is the ideal centre-half for us.” Ake made his 100th appearance for Bournemouth in the goalless draw with Norwich last time out and returns to old club Watford today after spending 2015-16 season on loan ay Vicarage Road.

Howe (below) added: “It’s funny as we were talking about Nathan’s progression earlier this week with the coaches.

“I think it’s been absolutely brilliant what he has done since he signed for the club.

“He signed in my mind as a centre-back, but came to us having played predominantly as a left-back for his previous club.

“He had to wait to get his opportunity, but since his first game he has never looked back.

“He is now a permanent member of our back four, a model of consistency, developing and improving all the time.

“The biggest compliment I can give Nathan is in his conduct and his leadership. That is something we spoke about when he first signed, becoming more vocal and leading players around him.

“He is definitely doing that now so I can’t speak highly enough of him.”